Licensed Clinical Social Worker

"It is a joy to be hidden, and disaster not to be found."

— D.W. Winnicott

Introduction & Services

My name is Brett Stithem, and I am a clinical social worker who's been in private practice in Chicago since 2012, and now in Portland since 2018. I work with individual adults and adolescents, ages 13 and up. My clinical practice relies primarily on psychodynamic training, particularly relational theories of development and intervention. I am in-network with a number of insurance companies and have a sliding scale for clients who need to pay out of pocket. I can also bill as an out-of-network provider if I do not accept your insurance.

My Approach

My fundamental belief about therapy, and relationships in general, is that we primarily wish to be seen, heard, and understood. This requires the development of mutual trust in order to create a "safe enough" context in which to explore sometimes difficult dynamics and material. While we may come to therapy hoping for immediate relief or resolution, we ultimately grow through the opportunity to listen to ourselves in a new way, and to begin to trust our own wisdom, resilience, and authority. I believe that psychotherapy offers a unique opportunity to integrate uncomfortable or unwanted parts of our lives or ourselves. The process of collaboratively making meaning of our experience allows us to feel more acceptable, lovable, and whole. I do not subscribe to a technical or scripted approach to therapy. My only goals are to arrive at each session with an open, authentic presence, and to allow for each relationship to develop its own organic pace, language, and approach.

My Background

I have over seven years of experience as a licensed therapist working with adults, adolescents, and families. I earned my master's degree in clinical social work from the University of Chicago in 2010 and recently moved to Portland after living in Chicago for the past 15 years. I have worked with vulnerable populations in various roles and settings, including inpatient and residential care, a therapeutic school, outpatient counseling and community mental health, hospital emergency departments, and private practice. I also worked for the past 3 years in the country's top-rated inpatient medical rehabilitation hospital, where I provided counseling to patients recovering from and adjusting to life-changing injuries and illnesses. I have extensive training in psychodynamic, relational psychotherapy but draw from a range of clinical and spiritual/philosophical perspectives.

Let's Chat.

Use the form below if you have a question or would like to contact me regarding an appointment. You may also email or call me to make an appointment.

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Contact

➤ LOCATION

1829 NE Alberta Street, Suite 3Portland, OR 97211

☎ CONTACT

brstithem@gmail.com(773) 575-8152

insurance accepted

Regence BCBS

Cigna

MHN (Managed HealthCare Northwest)

Pacific Source / Reliant

Optum

Providence Health Plan

United Behavioral Health

Billing arrangements as an out-of-network provider or out-of-pocket on a sliding scale basis are available